May-2018 P News.Pdf

Maiden Bradley Parish News No 347 May 2018

What a whopper! Franc’s Uganda

Hello to all of Maiden Bradley from the Hoima District of Uganda where I have the pleasure to be based since January this year. As a geologist, there are always opportunities to go travelling and this is one of these. The country is opening itself towards oil production (and I guess there will be mixed opinions about that one) and in partnership with the French oil company Total, a new pipeline of some 1,500 km is to link the new oil fields to Tanga bay in Tanzania. As part of this project I am the Quality Control engineer for the works over the Nile River, where the pipe is to go under (some 20m+ below the river bed). That's the background. What I will retain from the country, extreme heat aside, is its beauty and welcoming nature of the people. We are lucky to work in the remote part of the country and often have to gain access into the nearby national park (your typical safari setting with your expected wildlife culprits such as giraffes, elephants...). But I work mainly on the Nile so it is more the crocodiles I need to look after. If you wish to meet happy and jovial bunch of people, well of course you go to MB, but the other option is right here. People are always smiling and happy to meet and speak with you. Our task force is principally native crews and they make our long and hard days that much more agreeable. I said it is remote, it is also very much unspoiled in their simple way of living in a mud hut with some farming around it and the daily walk to the nearest well. Am I enjoying myself here, yes; am I looking forward to be back home, that's a yes too. See you soon. Franc Diary for May 6th Sun Holy Communion - Church 10.00 am 7th Mon Black Box, Blue & Green Bins Collection 7.00 am 8th Tue Parish Council Meeting – Memorial Hall 7.30 pm 9th Wed Prayer Meeting – Details 844817 6.30 pm 13th Sun Rogation Service – Bison Farm, West Knoyle 11.00 am 14th Mon Household Waste Collection 7.00 am 16th Wed Prayer Meeting 6.30 pm 17th Thu Welcome Club Bring & Buy Sale Horningsham Hall 2.30 pm 18th Fri Film Night – Memorial Hall – “Man Up” 7.00 for 7.30 pm 20th Sun Copy Deadline for June Parish News to [email protected] 20th Sun Pentecost Service with Archdeacon Alan Jeans 10.00 am

21st Mon Black Box, Blue & Green Bins Collection 7.00 am 22nd Tue Welcome Club Outing to Henley-on-Thames 9.00 am Book Group Meeting – Tyning Wood 8.00 pm 23rd Wed Prayer Meeting 6.30 pm 27th Sun Morning Worship – Church 10.00 am 28th Mon Household Waste Collection 7.00 am 28th Wed Prayer Meeting 6.30 pm

Mass times:- St.George’s, Warminster – Saturday 6 pm (Vigil); Sunday 8 am 10 am St. Mary’s, Mere – Friday 10 am; Saturday 5.30 pm

Dr Harding’s Surgery every Monday at the Memorial Hall except Bank Holidays 5-6 pm. Please bring your orders to Memorial Hall Surgery the week before they are due for the Doctor to process. Refuse & Recycling Collections every Monday, for Bank Holiday changes see Wiltshire Council website. Mother & Toddlers every Tuesday 10.00 am to 12 noon.. Useful telephone Nos. The Pub: 844207; Memorial Hall bookings – Mel Thomas 845111 ; Dr. Andrew Murrison MP: 01225 358584 or [email protected]: Mere Link Scheme 01747 860096; Rev. Carol Wilson-Barker 01747 861859. Bell Ringing every Tuesday 7 pm in the Bell Tower at the Church. Begin- ners welcome 844475 Coffee Mornings every Friday in the Hall 10 am till 12 noon Maiden Bradley Parish News – contributions are welcome and preferred in WORD format. Email [email protected]

This newsletter is available online at www.maidenbradleyvillage.org.uk Editorial Last weekend we heard the Cuckoo for the first time and saw our first Swallow and this was whilst sitting having a picnic on top of Whitesheet Hill listening also to the Skylarks and watching them swoop towards their nests on the ground. We had walked from Maiden Bradley and were on our way to Stourhead where we had parked the car earlier that day. Stourhead was seething with people out to make the most of the warm weather so we didn’t linger in the queue to be served a cream tea!

This week, parents will have received notification of the primary school to which their child has been allocated. These days there is a preference system and three choices are made by the parents. These choices are then evaluated by, one supposes, the education authority and eventually parents are notified. This process takes approxi- mately three months and if parents are not satisfied with the result they can register an appeal. We are fortunate in this part of Wiltshire, to have many exceptional primary schools to choose from.

What a lovely day we had on Saturday for the Community Garden BBQ. The weather was fine and warm, the company was interesting and the food and wine, simply delicious. Thanks to everyone involved for putting in so much effort for such a lovely occasion.

Please send your family news to me – there is great interest by local people for local news especially as there are many talented residents in Maiden Bradley. Thanks. Pat Kennedy 845397 [email protected] Church News From June the pattern of services at All Saints is changing. Instead of a service in the church every week we will be meeting in the hall at 10am on the first Sunday of the month. This new format means that we can try something different; a breakfast church with a cup of coffee and something to eat. What happens is that there will be more flexibility with a chance for discussion or a chat. All ages are welcome. This is an exciting opportunity please come and share your ideas. On May 13th there is a second chance to enjoy a Rogation Service when we join with the other churches in our benefice, West Knoyle and Mere, at the Bison Farm in West Knoyle. I've heard that this year there will be a walk round the farm. The following week, May 20th, Archdeacon Alan Jeans is taking our Pentecost Service at 10 a.m. in the church. There will be refreshments after the service and a chance to talk to him about any church concerns. Celia Blay April News from the Hall

April’s been a quite month, the shop as taken off and is doing well and this bodes well for the long term. The Outreach Post office service will be coming to the hall shortly, but just when is down to the PO.

Film Night The next Film night will be Fri- day 18th and we will be show- ing “Man up” Starring Simon Pegg

In the Pipe Line Weekend of the 30th June-1st July there is to be a Steam Rail and Model Railway Exhibition, anyone wishing to be part of it should contact Simon Wager. Friday 27th- Sunday 29th July there is to be a History Weekend with several guest speakers in attendance along with an exhibitions, More details to follow in the June issue of the magazine. Watch out for details of a Nearly New Sale on June 9th, contact Brenda Smart or Sheila Foley for further information.. We are looking to purchase some Short Mat Bowles Equipment, and we would like to hear from any of you who would be interested iin partaking in this sport.

Roof Grant Bid The steering committee have done a great job of putting our Part 2 lottery grant bid together, for the new roof , and we are now awaiting for the outcome.

Mel Thomas SPRING WATCH AT THE "RANK" PLUS It doesn't need me to report on the weather and the delay in the arrival of spring! Swallows are about 10 days late in arriving though I have heard reports of arrivals. With the arrival of fine weather I am sure they are not too far away. Violet Oil Beetles we have seen one very large female and we moved her off the road to a safer place in the front garden. The House Sparrows have taken to nesting in the Swift boxes at 64 hopefully their first brood will have fledged by the time the Swifts arrive in early May. Look out for the Swifts on or about 6th May. A pair of Black Caps have been reported. Lots of Black Birds but no Song Thrushes. Siskins and Goldfinches, Tree Sparrows, Robins, Wrens and Dunnocks actively nesting. Oh yes the pair of Partridges that roost in the front garden by the driveway may even have a clutch of eggs there. What's new? A very large and fearsome looking Woodlouse Spider with her crimson thorax and grey green body. Loitering on the doorstep. She is about 25mm long (1 inch). Last observations are from the Community Garden large pond where tadpoles by the score have emerged and already we have Water boatmen and pond skaters. However we need more aquatic plants so if you are thinning out your pond growth, please donate a little to our new pond. Thank you.

James Kennedy Welcome Club Now is the time to search out your items which are surplus to requirements – The Bring and Buy sale is going to be held in the Hall at Horningsham on May 17th at 2.30pm. Any goods not sold will be donated to the Horningsham Fayre Stall.

We’re ringing the changes in May as we are going to a new destination for the May 22nd trip, roll-up, roll-up for Henley-on-Thames! Well worth a visit, so let me know if you are coming and all are welcome, as ever.

Reports on April happenings will appear next month.

Summer is coming – we hope!!

Chris Short 01985 847373 Can you help? Samara’s Aid Appeal for clothing – Humanitarian aid project in war torn Syria.

I am appealing for donations of good quality used clothes, something you might buy in a charity shop, no holes/stains, zippers working; new toiletries and bedding, or you can fill a Smiley Bag especially for women (I have these) Samara’s Aid has sent more than 94 consignments (artic lorries, containers and ambulances) carrying clothes, shoes, bedding, toiletries/hygiene items, essential medical equipment, ambulances and school equipment to Syria. Donations can be left with me before the 20th May. It will then be packed by Samara’s Aid workers for the con- tainer which is leaving Wincanton on May 25th.

Samara’s Aid is an amazing charity – to see what they can do for some of the most people in Syria please visit www.samarasaidappeal.org/giving

Please contact me Susanna Brigden 01985 844 806 if you would like to help. Parish Council March 2018

Annual Parish meeting of the Electors- the Annual meeting will start at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th May 2018.before the Annual Parish Council meeting Parishioners are invited to attend to hear the reports for the Groups and clubs within the parish.

Planning- Application Ref: 18/01745/FUL Application for Full Planning, Proposal: - Side extension to unfinished garage to create garage/workshop and create a first floor one bedroom holiday let above. At: Grange Farm Cottage, Dukes Lane, Maiden Bradley, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7HX. Resolved: that it supported the application. (Please note: in planning matters the Council acts as the consultee of the Principal Authority. The Principal Authority being the deciding body)

Speed Watch Volunteers- the Parish Council is seeking volunteers to work in a Community Speed Watch Team. 7 Volunteers have come forward to date. Ideally 3 teams of 3 would enable a rotation of volunteers. If you are interested in joining a team please contact Councillor Simon Wager for a form.

Highways - If any Parishioner sees or is aware of anything which they feel needs attention in and around the parish highways, they are requested to contact Wiltshire Council using either the online website above, the Wiltshire Council App or on the landline number 0300 456 0105.

The Wiltshire Council app can be used to report Highways issues or online at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parkingtransportandstreets/roadshighwaysstreetcare/mywiltshi relogin.htm

Painting of the Church Railings – The Parish Council is looking at the possibility of Volunteers painting the Church Railings. If you might be interested in helping improve the appearance of the Parish and would like join in the creation of a working group. Please contact your local Councillor or the Clerk.

Forces March – Parishioners are asked to note that the Forces March are due to use the recreational Area on Saturday the 26th May and 27th May 2018. They are kindly making a donation to the Community for the disturbance, which is being given to the Village Hall.

Items for the next Agenda: Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman New version NALC Standing Orders and Review Financial Regulations Review of delegation arrangements to committees, sub-committees, employees and other local authorities. Review of the terms of references for committees if required Appointment of any new committees, confirmation of the terms of reference, the number of members (including, if appropriate, substitute councillors) and receipt of nominations to them. Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back. Council’s period of eligibility to exercise the power of General Competence expires the day before the annual meeting, to review and make arrangements to reaffirm eligibility. Review of the Council’s and/or employees’ memberships of other bodies. Review the Council’s complaints procedure Review the Council’s procedures for handling requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998. Review the Council’s policy for dealing with the press/media Review the Council’s Filming, Photographing, & Social Media Policy Review the Council’s Complaints Procedure Review the Council’s Equal Opportunities Review the Council’s Lone and Isolated Working Policy Review the Council’s Community Engagement Statement of Intent Review the Council’s Petitions Policy Review the Council’s Procedure for public sessions Review the Council’s Grant Awarding Policies and Procedures Review the Council’s Information and Communications Technology IT Email, Internet and Phone Policy Review the Council’s Bullying and Harassment or dignity at work policy Review the Council’s Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Review the Council’s Staff and Councillor Training and Development Policy Budget Report - Councillor to report back Certify the Accounting Statements- Annual Year End Accounts Consider the Annual Internal Audit Report Approve Annual Governance Statement Approve Accounting Statement Publish the Audit on the Website Approve the dates for the Public to exercise their rights Moving the time of Full Council meetings to start at 7.00pm on a Tuesday instead of 7.30pm.

Date of the next meeting- The Council agreed that Tuesday 8th May 2018 would be the date of the next Parish Council meeting. As always, the Parish Council meeting will be open at the start with an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions or make comments on any matter. The website www.maidenbradley.org.uk can be accessed to read a copy of the Agenda and minutes electroni- cally or copies are displayed on the Community Notice Board at the Village Hall and Bus Stop. If you have access to Facebook, there is a Parish Council Facebook page do sign up and join the Community Information Board.

Sarah Jeffries the clerk can be contacted by email: [email protected] or phone: 01985 213436 or by mail to Maiden Bradley Parish Clerk 9 Beech Grove Warminster BA12 0AB

Lottery Results March 1st Mark Holbrook £25.00 2nd Phillippa Haig £12.50 3rd Rosie Brown £7.50 4th Jack Poole £5.00 April 1st Paul Cox £25.00 2nd Sue Wiltshire £12.50 3rd Michael Holmes £7.50 4th Sarah Muir £5.00

Since 1998 the lottery has brought in a total of £21191.25 to help maintain the village hall. Therefore £10595.62 has gone to the village hall and the same amount in prize money up to last December. If you would like to help support your Village Hall, please get in contact with John Priestner on 844244 who has some spare numbers. Only 50p per number per month, you can have more than one number. Half the draw’s income goes to the Village Hall and half goes in prizes. Let’s Go Fishing!

Having spent the winter months landlocked it was great to get out to sea again with a few pals from the village on what was the warmest April day for decades. Our trip out of Poole was billed as a Bream fishing session and while a few Bream were caught the best sport was had in the harbour going for Plaice. Everybody caught a Plaice and while a few undersize fish were returned to the water some were lucky enough to catch a very tasty supper.

While going out to sea is not everybody’s idea of a great day out I find it the best possible way of relaxing, especially if you have a few buddies around you wait for something to put a bend in your rod.

While going out in a boat proves the most the most productive there is plenty of sport to be had from our shores. Chesil Beach is a prime shore fishing venue and I am looking forward to the summer months when we will camp on the beach and fish through the night under the stars – glorious!

Ultra-keen anglers may choose to go further in pursuit of their chosen pastime. I find the wilderness of the unspoilt Outer Hebrides the best way of experiencing total relaxation. It allows me to escape from the electronic handcuffs that dominate most of our lives.

Adi Roach From the archive..... 11 July 1969

When Maiden Bradley Village School closed on Friday for the Summer holiday, it joined the ever growing list of village schools which have disappeared under present day educational policies. It was, of course, a sad occasion, but the school staff, children and parents saw to it that this old school made it’s exit not with tears, but with jolification: not with regretful glances but in a forward looking spirit. Friday afternoon was given over o a farewell party with presentations. The childreen were entertained by Mr O Williams of Trowbridge, a member of the magic circle who is also a ventriloquist. Then followed some presentations. Miss Pointon, headmistress for the last 3½ years, received from pupils, parents and Miss Vendables (school clerical assistant) a briefcase which should prove of great use to her during the coming 12 months which she will be spending at University taking an advanced education course. Mrs Potter, who has been school caretaker for the last 19 years, received from the staff, parents and past and present pupils a rosebowl and a voucher for some roses. She was also given an autograph book signed by parents, staff, children and friends. Parents and children were joined for the party by two former assistant teachers at the school - Mrs Newbury and Mr F A V Jones. Parents provided a wonderful tea during which three of the school managers, Lady Susan Seymour, the Duchess of Somerset and Mrs C Higgins were welcomed. In the absence of the Vicar (the Rev J M Wright) chairman of the managers, who was at- tending a conference.. Lady Susan presented Miss Pointon with a cheque with which to purchase a picture. There was a silver bowl for Mrs Potter, a vase for Mrs Ve- nables, all three gifts be- ing from the managers. Lady Susan paid tribute to the work of the three recipients of the gifts. Miss Pointon presented each child with a copy of the book ‘Leisure in Wiltshire’. Next term, 20 children on the roll will be going to neighbouring Kilmington school.

Leaping Frogs ay Nursery in Zeals, provides quality care for children from 3 months to 5 years. Set in 1.2 acres with pets from ponies to chickens. Leaping Frogs has a family atmosphere with caring and highly qualified staff providing your children with the best possible start. To register your child visit our website www.leapingfrogs.org or telephone us on 01747 840373

Walking On Air Footcare Visiting Foot Health Professional MCFHP MAFHP Providing treatment and advice to keep you mobile Nail Cutting Friday Clinic held at Maiden Bradley Diabetic footcare Memorial Hall Ingrown toenails Verrucae advice For an appointment phone Jean: Corns /calluses Athletes foot 0793 4495518